From Rev. Joan

In Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol it is the nephew of Ebenezer Scrooge, Fred, who says, “But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round – apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that – as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people less fortunate then themselves…

The offering this Christmas Eve will go to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, which the ministers of this congregation administer in confidence for assisting those who are in need.  At this time each year when we make this appeal we acknowledge that the need is particularly great during the winter months.  This is when we get the majority of such calls for assistance. I needn’t tell you that 2020 has been extraordinary in that those calls have been coming for much of this past year.  I hope you’ll give as generously as you are able when asked again this year on Christmas Eve.

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Building Expansion News
 

We have great news about the building expansion project. We have received a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy from the city and the permanent certificate should be granted soon.
 
What about the budget? The project is expected to come in just under the amount authorized by the congregation. The building expansion committee relied on our very good contractor, Tom Pelletier, for help in managing costs, sweat equity from the congregation – many of whom showed up to work on the patio – creativity, collaboration with the Board of Trustees, and not a small amount of wit. To say that we are proud of what has been achieved is an understatement. That said, there are a few remaining tasks, most in the category of carpentry.  
 
The Building Expansion Steering Committee will officially disband when we receive the Certificate of Occupancy, which should be soon. Maintenance of the new systems (fire alarm and sprinkler, for example) will be the responsibility of Buildings and Grounds.
 
What happens now?
 
The Memorial Garden had to be relocated during construction. The trees have survived and we have all the elements to recreate the garden, though it cannot be put back exactly as it was before. We are looking for a landscape architect who can create a design, which we will implement ourselves.
 
The Board of Trustees has named a committee to create an interior design plan and make purchases as funds become available.
 
We look forward to celebrating with everyone when it is safe to do so.

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Share Your Holiday Decorations with Northwest!

Are you decorating for the holidays, but not hosting guests because of COVID-19? Share your festive holiday decorations with Northwest so we can all enjoy them together! 

Submit photos using the Google form https://forms.gle/MiDYVp5B13eS6dsP9 or send your photos to Cameron Moore or Jenn Meunier. Photos will be shared on Northwest’s Facebook page as they are received.

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Holiday Hours
 

 

Christmas-December 24-January 3.  

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PSA

Have you voted yet?  Absentee? Early? Or are you planning to vote on Election Day, January 5?  It is not only our duty to vote in this runoff, it is our sacred right to do so.  Want to check your absentee ballot status?  Go to  https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do to find out your status.  
 

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Zoom Documentary Discussion
Where to Invade Next
7pm on Friday, January 8th

Watch the documentary Where to Invade Next on your own and then join a virtual discussion on Zoom!

In this documentary filmmaker Michael Moore visits various countries to examine how Europeans view work, education, health care, sex, equality, and other issues. Here is a link to where you can watch it for free. https://documentarymania.com/player.php?title=Where+to+Invade+Next     

This event is open to all who are open to all and is not restricted to Atlanta or the United States. Feel free to invite anyone you think may be interested in joining our discussion. Please allow others to get their full thought out and that any disagreement is voiced in a civil way. At the end we will decide together the topic for the next month’s film.

Please email Adam Hicks bryantadamhicks@gmail.com to be added to the email list. That way you will be able to receive updates on future events as well as the zoom link and password, which will be sent out the morning of the discussion.

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NWUUC Book Groupies

The NWUUC Book Groupies will not be meeting in December. We will resume our book discussions on Zoom, Tuesday, January 12 at 7 pm with The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. This acclaimed novel follows the divergent fates of twin sisters from the Jim Crow South after one twin decides to pass for white. An examination of race, identity, lies and familial love follows. If you are looking for a book to transport you out of your current circumstances, this is it!

If you would like to order this book from our bookstore which contributes all profits to NWUUC, please leave a message for Penny Raney at 770 551 8817 and we will make arrangements to get it to you. Also, please let me know if you want to be in the Zoom meeting if you are not currently on our book groupies list.

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 …We Still Need People to Host

Do you enjoy Coffee Hour each Sunday?  Are you willing to host from time to time.  It is super easy (and we will train you), but without more people willing to do it we might have to discontinue.  

It’s pretty easy if you have any tech skills at all, so don’t be shy! Send your name to our IT Helpdesk at techhelp@nwuuc.org and one of us will get back to you with how-to instructions. 

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IT Help Desk

 
 

 

 

Check out Northwest’s new merchandise shop at Zazzle for T-shirts, polos, and now, masks!

If you’re interested in submitting merchandise designs, please email Cameron Moore at stewardship@nwuuc.org.